# How to design digital government for everyone

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/transform-gov-the-digital-government-podcast-6921732/how-to-design-digital-government-for-everyone
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/transform-gov-the-digital-government-podcast-6921732/how-to-design-digital-government-for-everyone.md
Podcast: [Transform Gov - the digital government podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/transform-gov-the-digital-government-podcast-6921732)
Published: 2026-01-16T13:17:29+00:00
Episode link: https://digitalgovawards.com/podcast/
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/6654b705d950260012df3b93/e/69668b800b081bb8b9243a56/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/transform-gov-the-digital-government-podcast-6921732/episodes/how-to-design-digital-government-for-everyone
Duration seconds: 2263

## Resource

Digital services only work if everyone can use them. In this episode of Transform Gov, Maeve Kneafsey speaks with Donal Fitzpatrick and Shivaali Scully from the National Disability Authority about accessibility, universal design and the fast-emerging role of AI in public services. They explore if AI can remove barriers for people with disabilities, where serious risks around bias and privacy remain, and why involving users early in design is the single most important factor in getting digital services right. The conversation ranges from real-world examples of AI supporting accessibility, to the impact of the European Accessibility Act, and why Ireland is emerging as a global leader in universal design. This is a must-listen for anyone designing, commissioning or delivering digital services in the public or private sector. Timeline / Topics 00:00 – Why accessibility is central to digital government 03:00 – AI and accessibility: opportunity versus risk 06:30 – Why user voices must shape design from day one 09:30 – Privacy, bias and the limits of AI 17:00 – European Accessibility Act explained 23:00 – Ireland’s leadership in universal design 34:00 – The Universal Design Grand Challenge and future talent Accessibility, Universal Design, AI in Government, Digital Public Services, Inclusion, European Accessibility Act, Public Sector Innovation, Transform Gov Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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## Transcript

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